ON THE BANKS OF THE HUDSON BERGEN COUNTY’S NEWEST LUXURY RESIDENCES PROMISE LEGENDARY AMENITIES AND AN EPIC LIFESTYLE

By Laura D.C. Kolnoski • Photos By Amessé Photography

With its hilltop location next to the George Washington Bridge, its luxury apartments, spectacular panoramic views, and resort-style, high-tech amenities, The Modern in Fort Lee might just represent the future of urban living. Its two 47-floor glass towers on the Hudson River will offer a mix of rental studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences overlooking the river, New York City skyline, and surrounding landscape.

The first tower will be completed by year’s end, said developer Allen Goldman, president of SJP Properties Residential. The second is set to begin construction next year. Each will have 450 units of crafted living spaces situated on a nearly eight-acre site. Special allure comes from the property’s 75,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor resort-style amenities.

Indoors, a spacious, state-of-the-art fitness center and separate yoga and Pilates studio are complemented by a spa with a community sauna and massage services. Residents can relax in the beautifully designed lounge, which will offer breakfast and be available for catered events. Additional indoor amenities include a screening room, a golf simulation area, and a “tween” room with a gaming station. There will also be an Internet lounge in each tower, where residents can hook up laptop computers to available WiFi and printers. (The buildings will offer free WiFi access in all community areas and each tower will be wired for clear cellular phone service throughout.)

Outdoor amenities include an 80-foot long infinity pool surrounded by 300 chaise lounges, along with volleyball and

“It’s an incredible site that sat fallow for 45 years. We are creating an icon that will forge a strong identity for Fort Lee as a destination for luxury living.”
—The Modern developer Allen Goldman

basketball courts. An expansive rolling lawn features a fire pit and will host outdoor movies on summer nights. Ten individual and community barbecue stations provide an opportunity for residents to enjoy outdoor cooking any time. The Modern will further sport a covered dog walking area and pet spa, and separate indoor and outdoor children’s play areas. The complex’s two-story lobby will feature 24/7 concierge and doorman service, package and dry cleaning reception, refrigerated storage, a pool table, and saltwater fish tanks.

The project was designed by internationally renowned architect Elkus Manfredi of Boston, chosen for expertise in creating town centers and residential mixed with other elements, Goldman said, adding that he spent an entire day discussing ideas and sketching out design concepts with the architects early on. Each of The Modern’s residences feature open floor plans and high ceilings highlighted by floor-to-ceiling glass windows with 360-degree views.

Luxury appointments include oak hardwood floors, walk-in closets, and stone bath and powder rooms. Open kitchens are designed with beauty and functionality in mind. Washers and dryers are included in every unit, as are energy efficient heating and cooling systems with remote thermostat controls. Nearly all units have walk-in closets.

The two towers are situated in a nearly two-acre landscaped public park boasting water features and walking paths, with a 7,000-square-foot restaurant with indoor and open-air dining, as well as a refreshment kiosk. Less than 100 yards from the George Washington Bridge, The Modern is minutes to the express Manhattan subway, courtesy of the community’s dedicated shuttle service. A large indoor parking garage will be conveniently located with direct access to the building.

“The Modern was conceived to raise the bar for luxury residential development—one that combines inspired architecture, the latest resort-style amenities, and thoughtfully designed community spaces to achieve a truly exceptional living experience,” Goldman said. “It’s an incredible site that sat fallow for 45 years! We are creating an icon that will forge a strong identity for Fort Lee as a destination for luxury living.”

As further evidence of the buildings’ advanced technology, Goldman pointed out their four ultra-high-speed destination dispatch elevators; instead of buttons, residents will use a fob that expedites them directly to their floor; designed for security and ease of use. Traveling at 1,200 feet per minute, the elevators have the highest residential speed to date.

Rents begin in the mid-$2,000 range for a studio. Apartments will range in size from an average of 550 square feet for a studio to 1,723 for a three-bedroom unit. Additionally, SJP Properties is developing a 13,000-squarefoot building to be donated to the Borough of Fort Lee, which will house a public theater and museum, Goldman explained, which will be built along with the second tower, and adjoining it. The complex is part of a larger mixed-use redevelopment of a 16-acre site known as Hudson Lights that will include 165,000 square feet of retail in an adjoining parcel.

“No other apartment building maintains this level of amenities, services, and technology,” added Goldman. Asked about the ratio of rental versus ownership, he responded, “We offered rental because we think more people want the flexibility, liquidity, and mobility of a rental. Percentage of ownership versus rental has declined…people move more these days for jobs and don’t want to tie up so much money buying a house.”

THE MODERN
800 Park Ave., Fort Lee / 201.461.2888